There was a scary moment in the top of the seventh inning of NLDS Game 5 in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. With the Nationals trailing the Dodgers 3-1, Walker Buehler returned to the mound for his seventh inning of work. Catcher Kurt Suzuki led off.
With a 1-2 count, Buehler threw a 94 MPH two-seamer that ran too far inside, hitting Suzuki on the wrist. The ball then ricocheted into Suzuki’s face. Dodger Stadium went silent as Suzuki was tended to by the team trainer, eventually walking off the field under his own power. Catcher Yan Gomes pinch-ran for Suzuki at first base and will handle the catching duties the rest of the way.
For what it’s worth, there is no reason to believe Buehler had any ill intent with his pitch, unlike Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty.
Win or lose, the Nationals should provide an update on Suzuki’s status later tonight.
